Lester Lefton Lester Lefton - Kent State University

Photograph by G a r y H a r w o o d , ‘ 8 3
and whose Kent State
education was a springboard
to success. A number
of them — remarkable
individuals like Cil Draime
(’58) and the late Max
Draime (’59), Roe Green
(M.A., ’80) and Olga
Mural — have made multimillion
dollar gifts that
will touch lives for generations
to come. And every
year thousands of other
caring alumni make gifts
of all sizes that have a
huge collective impact.
Although it will not happen
overnight, the process
of endowment growth is
well underway with the
strong support of our
[Board of] Trustees and the
[Kent State University]
Foundation Board. They
understand that a healthy
endowment is the key to
fulfilling Kent State’s potential.
President Emeritus
Carol A. Cartwright
understood this and
deserves high praise for
laying the groundwork
for a fully realized culture
of philanthropy.
KSM: “Fundraiser” is
one of many hats worn
by modern university
presidents. How do you
juggle your multiple
roles and stay focused
on the challenges you
have outlined?
LL: I cannot overestimate
the importance of
being surrounded by smart
and supportive colleagues,
including my executive
team and professional staff,
university trustees and
academic leaders. And I am
lucky to have an extended
Lefton joins the Golden Flashes in celebrating victory over the University of Akron Zips in the 49th Battle
for the Wagon Wheel on Sept. 30 at Dix Stadium.
family that stands behind
me and works alongside
me 100 percent.
The complexities of
being a senior university
administrator, especially
a president, require more
than strong leadership
skills; they demand
stamina. On days when
issues ranging from building
repairs to information
security to budget decisions
cross your desk — all
before you have finished
your first cup of coffee
— it can mask the big picture.
But I work hard to
stay focused on ensuring
that academic excellence
for our students and faculty
is “job one,” and that we
create an environment that
fosters student success.
KSM: You noted the
value of supportive colleagues.
How would they
describe you?
LL: I think they would
characterize me as a reflective,
“scholarly type”
who enjoys reading and
research, and who is committed
to exercise and a
healthy lifestyle. I believe
they would point out that
I enjoy nothing more than
talking about Kent State,
something I will do a lot
in appearances on and off
campus.
KSM: What is behind
your passion for higher
education?
LL: I fell in love with
learning as a sophomore
psychology major. As a
result, I excelled academically
and successfully competed
for a U.S. Public
Health Service Predoctoral
Fellowship. This meant
that as a graduate student,
I had my own psychology
lab and my own funding.
It was, as they say, very
“cool!” I relished every
minute of graduate school
and knew I wanted to
pursue an academic career
— a career that led me to
this very exciting point.
In short, higher education
opened the door to a
life that I would not trade
with anyone. I want to do
everything in my power to
ensure that Kent State students
experience the joy of
learning I knew and have
multiple opportunities for
personal growth and professional
success.
KSM: This last question
may be the toughest:
Can you see yourself
rooting for the Indians,
Cavaliers and Browns?
LL: Research has shown
that allegiance to the Red
Sox, Celtics and Patriots
is part of the DNA of
native Bostonians. Despite
this “biological” urge, as
a Northeast Ohioan I am
enjoying a growing affection
for local teams.
Of course, there is no
conflict in cheering for
Golden Flash teams. I look
forward to adding the Kent
State Fight Song to my
repertoire.
Interview by Susan
Rogers,’78. For more information
about Lefton, visit
www.kent.edu/magazine.
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